Chapter 22

“Eloise!” Eric’s voice burst through the empty room. I couldn’t reply to him.

I felt too weak. I held my dad in my arms, his blood soaking my dress, but I didn’t mind.

“Eloise. Let go” he said in a soft voice, trying to pull my dad away from me.

“She killed him” a tear slid down my cheeks as I said it. “And I couldn’t stop it” a broken voice came from me. I barely recognized my own voice.

“There was nothing you could do love. She did this to her mate, not you” he didn’t understand. He didn’t feel it the way I did.

“I saw it.” I felt his eyes on me but I didn’t look up, I couldn’t. “ I had a vision and yet I couldn’t use it to save him. What use is this cursed vision if I can’t use it to save the ones I love?”

He sighed, bent down to my level and then said “he loved you, and he knew you loved him. I M sure as hell that he doesn’t blame you. And if he knew his wife was feral and still took the risk to stay by her side, then it shouldn’t be your fault. He loved you regardless.” Soothing hands went up and down my spine making me feel comfort.

“It’s late. Why don’t you come sleep? I’ll have the guards clean up your dad’s body for a proper burial if you want.” He was being so nice, so calm and over all, accommodating.

He was being all I needed right now, and I appreciated it.

“George could never” a little voice at the back of my mind said.

“Thank you” I said to him. He lifted me from my father’s body. It must have been a long time that I held my father’s body in that position because my hands hurt from gripping his body tightly. My legs also hurt from staying in the uncomfortable position.

We walked hand in hand back to my room.

“Alpha!” Ian bowed. He looked out of breath like he had ran here.

“Order some people to clean up the dungeons. He looked confused but he nodded either way.

“Try to get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow” he smiled at me. He tried to leave but I didn’t let go of his. Hand, I couldn’t. I had never felt more alone.

My mum killed my dad, and was no where to be found. My dad was gone and there was no one for me. anymore.

“Could you… could you stay the night? If you want that is.” I felt the embarrassment before he could even say no or look for a way to escape me.

“Of course” he said shocking me. Growing up, I never had someone to have my back, except Anna. So having him at this point?.

It was one of the biggest steps.

We entered into the room in silence. He stood still. Not moving, not shaking. At this point, he looked like a statue.

“Are you okay?” I asked, confused on what was going on.

“Eric?” I moved towards him, still no response.

“Eric!” I was getting scared.

“I’m sorry, I just .. I’m scared.” He looked deeply at me. “What if I loose control? What if I get carried away and then try to force you? I don’t want to be seen as the bad person. I swear I’ll try my best to treat you right but what if?... I am sorry. I’m putting my insecurities on you when you are in grief. Fuck! I can’t be anymore self absorbed.” He was talking more to himself than to me at this point.

He paced in his position. Looking like he was going to pass out.

“Eric! Eric!!” I called snapping him out of his panic stricken state. “its fine, you’re fine. You wouldn’t do anything that would hurt me, I trust you.” He shook his head aggressively. No no, you shouldn’t trust me. You know what?” he said all of a sudden like he was not panicking or looking like he was ready to bolt. .

“It’s about you right now. I’ll stay with you as long as you need me. You need this” I looked at him with wide eyes, but nodded either way.

We stayed in am awkward silence before I decided to break the ice.

“Have you ever lost someone you loved?” I didn’t know where the question came from, but it was already out and I didn’t think I could care enough to take it back.

“I once had a mate.” He said bout if nowhere, causing the air to leave my stomach. I suddenly didn’t feel good. But I asked. And some how, I wanted to hear more about this woman.

I didn’t know how mates worked, so I couldn’t judge. But somewhere somehow, I couldn’t deny the ugly feeling that made me feel like he was using me as a rebound.

“She was my cousin” I looked at him, kind of ….. repulsed?

“Not my actual cousin mind you. Ian’s family adopted her when she was younger because of reasons best known to them. Her name was solaria” suddenly, something clicked in my head. A vision I had when I was unconscious.

It was of her. Eric was the unstable king. It was all starting to make sense now.

“I saw her” the distant smile he had on his face was gone in an Instant. He sat up pretty fast.

“Where? How? Was it her body? How did it happen?” he looked alert. A part of me was annoyed that he wanted to see her. Given, she was his mate. But he was mine now or so I thought. I decided not to say anything since it was obvious that he still misses her. Saying anything now would amount to him being either annoyed or lead to an argument, and I was scared for both.

“A vision” was all I said.

“He looked disappointed. “I am sorry. She had my child when she died, as a result of my carelessness. I beat myself up everyday. I should have loved her better, treated her right. Everything and more. That’s why I was grateful when I found out I have a second chance mate. People might say I am too young for it but I got you. I swear to do you right. I would right all my wrongs with you.” He said, giving me a smile hat would have left me breathless.

But I didn’t. I couldn’t feel the same enthusiasm that he felt. It was as if he was using me as a rebound. Everything he said pointed to that.

“Thays .y story of loosing a loved one. I really can’t trust myself around you, because I am scared to mess things up with you” I nodded, not feeling comfortable in the conversation anymore. I wanted nothing more than to change it.

“What’s your favorite color?” I asked. He looked surprised, he most likely was not ready for a change in conversation so fast.

“Purple he answered simply.” The conversations flowed freely between the two of us, and all the while, I couldn’t help but think that he saw me as nothing more than a second option.